Health Guidance: Can Ice Compress Really Reduce Swelling? Proper Use Is Crucial!
1、 The principle and function of ice compress
Ice compress can constrict blood vessels, reduce local congestion, lower nerve conduction rate, alleviate pain, prevent spasms, and have cooling, stop bleeding, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
2、 Indications for ice compress
Mainly used for acute injuries, acute or chronic pain, postoperative pain and swelling, muscle tension and spasms, anticipated pain after increased activity or rehabilitation exercises.
3、 Correct timing for ice application
Many studies have shown that within the first 24 hours after trauma, microcirculatory disorders and subsequent tissue damage reactions are not significant. So ice cream should be applied as early as possible and for a period of time. In this way, early and reasonable ice application can achieve the goal of reducing tissue trauma and accelerating tissue repair.
4、 The technique of applying ice
- The duration of ice application is 15-20 minutes each time, usually three times a day. If the joint continues to swell or heat up, the frequency of ice application can be increased appropriately. It should be noted that if the skin ice pain lasts for 5 minutes, stop applying ice to prevent frostbite; The interval between two ice packs is 40-60 minutes.
- The location of ice application: the area with obvious pain or swelling. During the rehabilitation period, it is necessary to apply ice to the painful area during activity exercises. Do not directly touch the skin with ice packs or even ice, and use protective objects such as towels in between.
- Taboos of ice compress: When there is extensive tissue damage, septic shock, or skin discoloration, ice compress should not be used to prevent tissue necrosis. Avoid using cold compress behind the pillow, ear canal, scrotum and other areas to prevent frostbite; It is not advisable to apply ice to the abdomen to prevent intestinal spasms or diarrhea; Patients with coronary heart disease accompanied by high fever should avoid foot icing to prevent transient coronary artery constriction from causing angina.
